Union endorses NDP leader hopeful Swan

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 16/09/2009 (5894 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG — Leadership candidate Andrew Swan received an endorsement from Manitoba’s largest private sector union this morning at an event in Brandon.

The United Food and Commercial Workers union Local 832 announced it is throwing its weight behind the 41-year-old Minto MLA.

"Andrew is what we need as leader of the NDP and premier of Manitoba. He offers us the best opportunity to bring the NDP to victory in 2011," said the union’s president, Robert Ziegler.

"Once our members and the rest of Manitoba see Andrew’s dedication and ability to lead, they’ll know why we’re endorsing him," said Ziegler, who also co-chairs the premier’s economic advisory council.

Swan, meanwhile, announced that he would cut payroll taxes for employers who hire apprentices.

"When employers hire apprentices they take on a huge responsibility for training. I want to encourage employers to take on more apprentices to meet our current and future labour market needs. The payroll tax will not apply to wages for apprentices or journey persons responsible in large part for the training apprentices receive," said Swan.

Swan also pledged to enhance the funding for English as an Additional Language (EAL) courses offered across the province, bringing new Canadians into the workforce at a quicker pace to address the skills shortages businesses are facing.

larry.kusch@freepress.mb.ca